UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has denied rumours of a general election taking place on May 2, which is already the date scheduled for local elections. Sunak had earlier said that the general election would occur in the second half of 2024. Despite recent speculation that the prime minister might call for an earlier ballot, in an interview with ITV News West Country, he ruled out polling day on May 2. Sunak confirmed that there will not be a general election on that day, also stating “when there is a general election, what matters is the choice.”
General elections occur every five years in the UK, where MPs are voted into Parliament. The next election could legally be held on January 28, 2025. Sunak does have the power to call for earlier elections, but May 2 will not be the day. However, in theory, the prime minister could still hold a general election in April or later in May.
If Sunak were planning to hold a spring election, May 2 would have been the most probable date to hold it, given the other elections taking place that day. Prior to holding an election, the prime minister needs to request the King to close Parliament. The general election typically occurs 25 days after the request.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the prime minister of being “running scared” of a May election. Sunak is contrary to the statement, shutting down the rumours and maintaining that the general election will take place at a later date. With Sunak ruling out May 2, the speculation regarding a spring general election in the UK has diminished
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